UC Berkeley explosion tied to copper wire theft

At least one person was hospitalized, and three others had minor injuries, after a massive explosion took place at the University of California-Berkeley following a power outage Monday.

The explosion, which prompted the evacuation of the main campus, was reported near Sather Tower north of California Hall at around 6:30 p.m. roughly two hours after a power system failure was reported said UC Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof.

The blast and fire, which left four people with minor burns, was probably caused by the theft of copper wire from an off-campus electrical station, said Mogulof.

The spokesman went on to say the stolen wire was discovered last week and repaired Sunday.

He added the blast area was two stories high and two roadway-lanes wide. In addition, the shock darkened residence halls and triggered an ammonia leak, which was contained.

Mogulof explained the explosion took place as engineers were attempting to bring power back.

“Something happened here that surprised the experts,” he said. “Somebody attacked our system. Somebody stole key parts of our system.”

The UC Berkeley campus remained dark for most of Monday night, but power began to be restored in stages early Tuesday.

Power was expected to be fully on in time for classes Tuesday morning. As for student's dorms Mogulof explained each residential dorm is equipped with a backup generator that would allow students to congregate, do homework and watch television.